May 19, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4233 House Intelligence and Agriculture commit- ducers affected by farm policy, asking for con- constituency, for the state of Texas, and for tees. I had the pleasure of working side by crete ideas and proposals which helped the each position he has held as a member of side with Chairman COMBEST as he forged the Committee develop a farm bill that met the Congress. Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of needs of our agriculture industry. Serving as only the third Representative in 2002. His ability to work in a fair bipartisan man- history from the 19th Texas Congressional From holding ten historic nationwide Agri- ner allowed the committee to establish a bill District, Congressman COMBEST has honored culture Committee field hearings, one of which that was balanced and supported by members the statesmen who preceded him in office. Al- he conducted in my state of Alabama, to per- representing many regions of the United ways accessible and a constant voice for the sonally securing a $73.5 billion funding com- States. people, his guiding strength and influence mitment from the House leadership for the Throughout the entire process, his tireless have become standard signatures for his work new Farm Bill, LARRY COMBEST was largely re- efforts did not go unnoticed by his colleagues in Congress, including the drafting of the 2002 sponsible for the successful passage of the or America’s agriculture sector. Farm Bill, the advocacy of medical and sci- landmark legislation for farmers and ranchers. When I go home to North Carolina, I hear entific advances through Texas Tech Univer- Chairman COMBEST’s determination made it from my own farmers how much the farm bill sity initiatives, and promotion of the Vietnam possible for the Committee to write a bipar- has helped their families stay on the farm, and Women’s Memorial. tisan, effective bill in a relatively short time because of the leadership that LARRY pro- Congressman COMBEST leaves behind the and ensure its ultimate passage into law. This vided, I know my producers have a safety net conviction to distinguish the need of the peo- legislation restored a much-needed safety net that they can count on. ple from the will of the people and the courage to production agriculture that has been miss- I am pleased to have had the opportunity to to carry on with the good of the people. ing for too long. And when agriculture funding serve with LARRY and I wish him and his fam- He is a trusted colleague and a proven was under attack earlier this year, LARRY COM- ily the best in the future. leader. Congressman LARRY COMBEST will be BEST once again stood up for farmers by His leadership will be missed but certainly missed. standing fast against harmful proposed budget his accomplishments and all of his efforts will f not be forgotten. cuts. ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN As we in the House say goodbye to LARRY, It is again my pleasure to honor congress- HERITAGE MONTH I thank him for his service to America and man LARRY COMBEST for a job well done. He wish he and his wife Sharon the very best as is a great statesman and trusted friend. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under they pursue a future life outside of Wash- Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, as a former the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- ington. member of the House Agriculture Committee, uary 7, 2003, the gentleman from Cali- Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is I would like to pay tribute to Representative fornia (Mr. HONDA) is recognized for 60 my distinct pleasure to recognize the Honor- LARRY COMBEST, who has announced his in- minutes as the designee of the minor- able LARRY COMBEST as he completes his final tention to retire at the end of May. During his ity leader. three weeks serving as a Congressman in the ten terms in Congress, LARRY COMBEST has GENERAL LEAVE United States House of Representatives. In earned a reputation of being a friend of Amer- Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I ask addition to representing the 19th congres- ican Agriculture. As Chairman of the House unanimous consent that all Members sional district of Texas for the past 20 years, Agriculture Committee, Representative COM- may have 5 legislative days within Representative COMBEST has served the entire BEST always worked in a fair and bipartisan which to revise and extend their re- U.S. agriculture community as Chairman of manner to insure that all sides had an oppor- marks on the subject of my Special the House Committee on Agriculture. His dedi- tunity to make their voices heard. This was es- Order, recognizing Asian Pacific Amer- cation to his country, his constituents and pecially true when the Agriculture Committee ican Heritage Month. American agriculture should not go unrecog- developed what eventually became the 2002 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there nized. Farm Bill. In order to hear from all interested objection to the request of the gen- I commend Representative COMBEST for his parties, Chairman COMBEST held extensive tleman from California? hard work and fine leadership while serving as hearings throughout the country, including one There was no objection. Chairman of the House Committee on Agri- in my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. I believe Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise culture. Although I was elected to Congress in that this level of inclusiveness was a major today to speak on the significance of 2000 and only served under his leadership on factor in Congress passing a Farm Bill that ad- Asian Pacific American Heritage the Committee for one term, I was honored to dresses the needs of America’s farmers and Month. The push for designating an do so. Throughout the 107th Congress, Chair- ranchers. APA Heritage Month started 26 years man COMBEST was diligent in his efforts to im- Representative COMBEST’s mark on this ago by visionary APA community lead- prove farm programs and to ensure the future Chamber will not only be found in the work he ers and also was led from this House by of agriculture in America. Due in large part to has done for our Nation’s farmers and ranch- retired Congressman Robert Horton of his relentless hours of hard work and out- ers. Representative COMBEST also served with New York and the current Secretary of standing leadership, the Farm Security and distinction as Chairman of the House Perma- Transportation, Norman Y. Mineta. Rural Investment Act of 2002 was passed by nent Select Committee on Intelligence. While I This year’s Heritage Month theme, a Congress and signed into law by President did not have the privilege of serving under his Salute to Liberty, is an especially George W. Bush. I applaud Representative Chairmanship, as a member of the House In- timely theme as our Nation is faced COMBEST for the strides he made to strength- telligence Committee, I know that his legacy of with conflict and tension. We must re- en agriculture in the United States. bipartisanship and integrity remains. member that in the fight to protect our Congressman COMBEST has certainly con- During his tenure in Congress, Representa- national security, we must also pre- tributed greatly to our nation and to our agri- tive COMBEST always worked for the interest of serve our civil liberties and individual culture community, and I thank him for all of his constituents, his State, his country, and the rights. During this month, it is also his efforts and congratulate him on his accom- House of Representatives. Knowing that ac- imperative that we utilize this oppor- plishments while serving in the United States tions speak louder than words, Representative tunity to reflect upon and understand Congress. COMBEST joined me as co-chair of the House our past so we can successfully build Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Bipartisan Retreat Committee to help instill ci- for our future. This is a moment of honor and commend Congressman LARRY vility and bipartisanship to the proceedings of teaching and learning. There have been COMBEST for more than 18 years of dedicated Congress. many histories of Asian Pacific Ameri- service to the 19th District of Texas. Representative COMBEST will be sorely cans in this country, Mr. Speaker, As a member of the House Committee on missed. their origins, their barriers, the bar- Agriculture, I have appreciated his leadership Mr. SMITH of Texas. Walter Lippmann stat- riers that they have overcome in the as the former chairman and his genuine desire ed, ‘‘The final test of a leader is that he leaves pursuit to seek the American Dream in to pass sound legislation for America’s farm- behind in other men the conviction and will to this country. ers and ranchers. carry on.’’ Congressman LARRY COMBEST Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a LARRY took an approach to crafting the 2002 leaves not only conviction and will for others moment and sort of share with the farm bill that no other legislator took before— to follow but also an example of representa- community the history of the bill that he began holding hearings around the country tional leadership. His unique style of leader- was passed in 1992, eventually, to rec- as well as in Washington, listening to the pro- ship has brought about positive change for his ognize the month of May as an official

VerDate Jan 31 2003 05:00 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19MY7.049 H19PT1 H4234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2003 Asian Pacific American Heritage ethnicities speaking over 100 languages ABACHER), the sport of surfing in the Month. and dialects. Aggregating such a large United States. In 1977, Representative Frank Hor- and diverse group makes it difficult to In 1913, the Alien Land Act was ton, a Representative from New York, understand the unique problems faced passed, and this was specifically in and Norman Y. Mineta, from Cali- by the individual ethnicities it encom- California. The Alien Land Act forced fornia, introduced the Asian Pacific passes. immigrants, primarily Japanese and Heritage Week, House Resolution 540, So when we aggregate Asian Ameri- other APAs, from owning or leasing in the House of Representatives, which cans as a population, when we look at land; and similar laws were passed in called upon the President to proclaim programs and policies in this country, other States throughout the Nation. the first 10 days of May as Pacific it is critical that we disaggregate the Subsequently it was rescinded later on Asian Heritage Week. The joint resolu- information so that we are able to be in the 1950s. tion did not contain an annual designa- more precise in our policies and pro- In 1942, the Japanese American in- tion, so in 1978, President Jimmy grams that we want to target for our ternment occurred. This was following Carter signed the joint resolution put communities. the United States’ declaration of war forward by both Representatives Hor- Let me just share a little bit of his- against Japan when Franklin D. Roo- ton and Mineta. torical time line. Historically, in 1763 sevelt signed Executive Order 9066 au- Then, in 1990, Asian American leaders the very first settlement that we know thorizing the forced relocation and de- around the country gathered at the of were some escaped prisoners aboard tention of 120,000 Japanese Americans, White House to witness the signing of a the Spanish galleons, and they were as well as over 2,000 Japanese Latin proclamation by President George Filipinos jumping ship in New Orleans. Americans. And also in this country it Bush declaring May to be Asian Pacific They fled into the bayous of Louisiana, is not well-known that over 7,000 Heritage Month. So we went from a and they established a community Italian Americans were affected per- week to a month. In 1992, President called Saint Malo, the first APA settle- sonally, their families, and over 30,000 Bush signed legislation into law desig- ment in the United States, fleeing the German Americans were affected. nating May of each year as Asian Pa- Spanish galleons and seeking freedom In 1943, the Japanese American bat- talion, the 442nd, which was comprised cific American Heritage Month. in this country. In 1882, this country saw fit to pass of some 12,000 Japanese Americans, b 2115 the Chinese Exclusion Act. The Exclu- many of them from internment camps, Mr. Speaker, it is apropos since this sion Act ends most immigration from responded to the War Department’s is the month of May we do take some China until 1943 and denied citizenship call for volunteers for an all-Japanese time to recognize those who were im- to those already present, many of combat unit. It was not unusual at portant in designating Asian Pacific whom were drawn by the gold rush and that time that we had segregated com- bat units. We had combat units of Indi- Heritage Month. the Central Pacific Railroad. First, why is it important? As a As a sideline, we have found out ans; we had combat units of blacks and schoolteacher, if we do not teach our through our research that there have African Americans. At that time history and understand the members of been many Chinese Americans who around 32,000 were inducted to form the 442 regimental combat team, and we our community’s contributions to this fought in the Civil War. Upon their pe- had Members of this House who served country, our children, be they Asian tition to become citizens after serving in the Regimental Combat 442, the past Americans or not, will be less educated in the military, they were denied citi- Congressman Sparky Matsunaga and and less informed and less appreciative zenship because of the Chinese Exclu- the current Senator from Hawaii, Mr. of not only their culture but the cul- sion Act. INOUYE. tures of other people. In 1868, the Japanese settled in Cali- This combat team became legendary The growth of the Asian Pacific pop- fornia, first in a community called Ala- for its success, and it is probably the ulation from 1980 to 1990 doubled from meda in the San Francisco Bay area 3.7 million to approximately 7.3 mil- most decorated military men in the and secondly in El Dorado County near United States history. Their average lion. This increase is remarkable when Sacramento. That colony was name Purple Heart that this combat unit had compared to the total increase in the Wahamatsu Colony. inflicted upon them, they had earned U.S. population of 9.8 percent during An interesting story of the almost three Purple Hearts per person, that same period. Wahamatsu Colony, the first colony in meaning they had to be injured. Each Then the growth continued to rise this country, was that they first came member had to be injured at least another 43 percent from 1990 to 1999. as refugees from Japan led by a gen- three times, so close to 9,000 Purple Currently, APAs comprise 4.5 percent tleman who was a gunrunner in Japan, Hearts were granted recognizing their of the U.S. population; and by 2050 Mr. Schell. He had a choice of either injuries in the effort to fight the war in APAs are expected to comprise 9 per- facing death or being deported. So he Europe. cent of the U.S. population. However, left with his contingent of folks from In 1946, the first Chinese American, in the State of California, the APA Japan and established this colony. This Wing F. Ong of Arizona, becomes the population already comprise 11 percent colony did not last very long, but it is first APA to be elected to State office. of the general population and grew 34 important to note that the last sur- Asian Americans, we are still looking percent in the past decade, from 2.8 to viving members of the first colony in at firsts. Some day we hope that we 3.8 million. This growth, although the State of California are not Japa- will go beyond the first and become a largely attributed to immigration pat- nese Americans but families of African rule rather than an exception. terns, is also indicative of more defined Americans and Chinese. In 1956, after the first congressman, data collection methods which has al- So it shows that ethnic groups in this an Indian American businessman Dalip ways been a problem in our commu- country, when they come to this coun- Singh Saund of Westmoreland, Cali- nities. So the last census it was critical try, they may be disallowed from fornia, became the very first Asian Pa- that the census taken was accurate and intermarrying with the mainstream cific American elected to Congress, he, was as precise as possible. white groups of this country, but they however, wanted to become a citizen Data is a cross-cutting issue. Lack of found ways to raise families and find and could not become a citizen prior to data impacts our understanding of the their way through this country until 1952 because there was still a law on health problems in our communities, such time that laws were passed to the books that disallowed Asian to be- as well as the problems in access and allow people to earn their citizenship come citizens. When that law was re- quality. Adequate data collection con- in this country. scinded, he was able to participate in tinues to be a challenge for the APA In 1912 at the Stockholm Olympics, the halls of Congress. community. swimmer Duke Kahinomoku became In 1964, the first congresswoman, Although we are often mistaken to the first APA to win a Gold Medal. He Patsy Takemoto Mink is the first be a homogeneous group and some- was later credited with introducing the woman of color and the first Asian Pa- times considered perpetual foreigners, sport, a sport that is endearing to the cific congresswoman to represent Ha- APAs in this country encompasses 49 gentleman from California (Mr. ROHR- waii in the halls of Congress. We know

VerDate Jan 31 2003 05:00 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.067 H19PT1 May 19, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4235 that we lost her just recently, and it Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, Before Asian Pacific American Herit- was a terrible loss to not only Asian I want to thank the gentleman for age Month was signed into law in 1992, Americans but Americans throughout leading the effort to commemorate it began as a week-long observance of this country and to all those who be- Asian Pacific American Heritage Asian Pacific Americans’ contributions lieve that those who have never forgot- month. to this country. In 1977, Congressman ten their roots and their past come to During this month-long commemora- Horton introduced H.J. Res. 540, legis- Congress making sure that the idea tion, Americans of Asian Pacific herit- lation to authorize the President to that equality and opportunities for all age celebrate achievements and major proclaim annually the first 10 days in Americans, regardless of their back- contributions for almost 12 million May as Asian Pacific American Herit- ground, must be met and must be re- American citizens of Asian and Pacific age Week. Congressman Mineta led the spected. heritage. Whether we are seeking of efforts to enact H.J. Res. 1007, which in In 1965, a labor activist named Philip arts, education, government, business, 1979 began as an annual celebration of Vera Cruz organizes a successful strike athletics, medicine, law, or the mili- Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. of fellow Filipino grape pickers in tary, Asian Pacific Americans have not In 1989, legislation was introduced to Coachella, California. This gentleman only contributed but excelled. convert the week into a month, and in began the movement that leads to the Several congressional organizations 1992 legislation was enacted to make formation of the United Farm Workers reflect this unique relationship be- the annual month an annual com- of America where eventually Cesar tween Congress and Asian Pacific memoration. Chevaz became the head leader and rec- Americans. Mr. Speaker, I join the gentleman from California tonight as we urge all ognized for his work and his philosophy b 2130 of peace and nonviolent activism. Americans to learn the history of In 1968, there was an ethnic studies I recently joined my distinguished Asian Pacific Americans and to cele- strike. Students of color from San colleagues, Representative ISSA, Rep- brate their contributions to the culture Francisco State University and UC resentative FILNER and Representative and heritage of our Nation. I want to Berkley organize a Third World strike. ROHRABACHER, in founding Friends of thank the gentleman from California Their efforts led to the creation of eth- the Philippines. The bipartisan mem- for leading the effort to make sure that nic studies departments at both cam- bership comprises Members who are this was properly commemorated. working to promote better relations Mr. HONDA. I thank the gentleman. puses and eventually across this coun- Mr. Speaker, if I may continue my try. with our longstanding ally, the Phil- ippines. I am also a member of the sharing of information on the chrono- I have to say that because of the logical order. After the American in- work of folks in ethnic studies, which India Caucus, which similarly works to promote a better relationship with ternment, in 1990 we had a gentleman was a movement that did not have by the name of Chang-Lin Tien who be- much support among the scholastic cir- India. The bicameral and bipartisan Con- came the first APA to head a major cles until recently, that we found all university in the United States when this information that would lead to gressional Asian Pacific American Cau- cus was created by Congressman Nor- he was appointed chancellor of the Uni- children, present and in the future, versity of Berkeley. He distinguished being able to understand that Asian man Mineta, who is now Secretary of Transportation, and Congresswoman himself not only because he led the Americans are not recent immigrants campus as a chancellor but he also be- Patsy Mink in 1994. Both have served and Asian Americans have contributed came known by the students on that as Chair of the caucus. In the 108th to the development of this country. campus, which is quite rare. He also al- Congress, this Congress, Congressman Further, the most valuable player in lowed the students to feel that they DAVID WU serves as Chair and Con- 1969 was a Filipino American. He were part of a community. He was a gressman HONDA serves as vice Chair of played for the Los Angeles Rams as a great proponent of affirmative action. that caucus. 115 Members of Congress quarterback, and his name was Roman He was a great proponent of making have joined the caucus and work to- Gabriel. He was recognized as the sure that he modeled what it is that he gether on policies and legislation that league’s Most Valuable Player. believed by his own personal life. He are of concern to Asian Pacific Ameri- The first governor in 1974 was a Japa- also was probably the most prodigious nese governor named George Ariyoshi; cans. The caucus is working hard not and prolific fund-raiser that university and he was elected governor of Hawaii, only to educate other Members about system has ever seen. He just passed the first APA governor in the United the history and contributions of Asian away a year ago from brain cancer. We States. Pacific Islanders but also to protect shall miss him dearly; but his work and And in 1981, a Chinese American ar- and advance the constitutional rights his model, his expectation continues to chitecture student, Maya Lin, her de- of all Americans. live in that system and in the State of sign was chosen for the Vietnam Vet- My connection with the celebration California. erans Memorial in a national competi- begins with my maternal grandfather In 1992, Mr. Speaker, the Los Angeles tion. She becomes one of the most who was born in the Philippines. uprisings took place. The L.A. widely recognized architects in the Around 1900 he immigrated to the uprisings followed the verdict in the United States, and her work can be United States aboard a naval vessel at Rodney King trial. Property loss was seen here in Washington, D.C., at the an early age. He landed in Raleigh, valued at $1 billion with Korean Amer- Vietnam Memorial. North Carolina, and was adopted by a ican businesses bearing half the dam- In 1982, a young man, Vincent Chin, family in Raleigh. He became a phar- age. Relations between Korean Ameri- who was celebrating the event of his macist but unfortunately died before I cans and African Americans became a marriage, was murdered. He was mur- was born. focal point of community activism. dered in Detroit, Michigan. Two white The historic significance of this Today when visiting Los Angeles, one auto workers mistook Chin for Japa- month involves two events that oc- will find that the two communities are nese and blamed him for the auto in- curred in May which determined why working hand in hand to make sure dustry’s woes and the downturn in the this month was chosen to celebrate a that they learn from each other and economy. He was bludgeoned to death week, and now a month, for Asian Pa- can grow with each other and that nei- with a baseball bat. The courts were le- cific American heritage contributions. ther one is targeted in times of ten- nient on the killers, and none of them The first occurred on May 7, 1843, when sion. served a day in jail. This incident be- the first Japanese immigrants arrived In 1996 there was a victory for Asian came a rallying point for the national in the United States. The second oc- immigrant women workers. After a 31⁄2 APA community. His mom went across curred on May 10, 1869, known as Gold- year national campaign, APA immi- this country seeking justice and even- en Spike Day, when the first trans- grant women and Asian immigrant tually had some justice through the continental railroad in the United women advocates reached a historic civil rights law. States was completed with significant agreement with clothing manufacturer Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman contributions from Chinese immi- Jessica McClintock to protect garment from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT). grants. laborers.

VerDate Jan 31 2003 05:00 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.069 H19PT1 H4236 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2003 Mr. Speaker, in 1996 something hap- ly a privilege to belong to the tri-cau- As part of Asian Pacific American pened in the State of Washington. Not cus, the Asian Pacific American Cau- Heritage Month, I believe that it is only can Hawaii boast of an Asian cus, the Hispanic Caucus, and the Con- very important to call to the attention American Governor but also the State gressional Black Caucus. We join the of the country a hero for many of us of Washington elected its first Asian gentleman today in celebrating Asian who I am privileged to say lives in my American Governor, Gary Locke from Pacific American Heritage Month. In district and is a constituent, Mr. Fred the State of Washington. He enjoys my district, the Ninth Congressional Korematsu. During World War II when quite a bit of leadership. Today he is District of California, the east bay of thousands of Japanese Americans were the chair of the Governors association. Northern California, Asian Pacific unjustly interned in camps, Fred In 1996, AIDS research reached a point Americans have long played a very cru- Korematsu refused to go and took his of distinction. A gentleman by the cial role in the life and in the history case all the way to the Supreme Court. name of David Ho was named Time of the east bay and the region’s iden- Mr. Korematsu stood up not only for Magazine’s Man of the Year for his tity has been deeply shaped by its place his own rights but for civil liberties for work in AIDS research. He developed on the Pacific Rim. I am proud again all of us. Racial profiling really was the protease inhibitor cocktail treat- to join him tonight in celebrating not a word or a concept in 1942, but it ment which adds years to the lives of Asian Pacific American Heritage was practiced with vengeance. The in- many AIDS patients. David Ho. Month. The contributions to our coun- ternment of Japanese Americans dur- In 1997, there was a woman in space. try by Asian Pacific Americans are nu- ing World War II represents one of the She was an Asian Pacific American. merous, and we are a much better darkest chapters in our Nation’s his- Astronaut Kalpana Chawla became the country as a result. However, today tory. Tens of thousands of people were first Indo-American and APA woman in Asian Americans confront a wide vari- imprisoned not because of disloyalty, space. She died in the breakup of the ety of challenges, including access to but because of ethnicity; and the Presi- Columbia Space Shuttle returning to educational opportunities, language dent, the Congress, and the Supreme Earth this year, in February 2003. access issues, and health problems and Court all conspired in this act of fear The first APA man in the Cabinet disparities. and prejudice. was selected by President Bill Clinton Specifically, I would just like to talk When Fred Korematsu took his case when he appointed former Congress- this evening about health care issues, to the Supreme Court in 1944, the Court man Norman Mineta Secretary of Com- immigration and civil liberties issues ruled in favor of the government and merce. He is the first APA member of and about the work being done in my thus in favor of racism and oppression. the Presidential Cabinet. Earlier in his own district by the Asian Health Serv- But by exposing the truth, Fred career, Mineta was the first APA ices organization and the Asian Law Korematsu exposed for all of the world mayor of a major metropolitan city, Caucus. Asian Health Services is a to see the utter hypocrisy of fighting San Jose. Then in the next administra- comprehensive community health cen- for democracy abroad while rationing tion under George Bush, George Bush ter based in Oakland, California. It pro- it here at home. And although it took saw fit to ask Norm Mineta to serve as vides medical care, health education, many, many decades, Fred Korematsu Secretary of Transportation. We are insurance counseling, and client advo- finally won when President Reagan enjoying his leadership currently as cacy. They reach out into the under- apologized for the internment and Con- Secretary of Transportation. served Asian and Pacific Islander popu- gress finally offered compensation. In 2002, an APA woman legislator by lation in Alameda County. Its staff I am very proud to say that the Asian the name of Wilma Chan of Alameda, members offer its services in nine lan- Law Caucus fought for Fred Korematsu California, is a State legislator but she guages. They provide almost 60,000 as it has fought for many Asian Ameri- rose to the Democratic majority leader medical visits to some 14,000 patients cans. For 31 years, the Asian Law Cau- of the California State Assembly. each year. And they are doing this on cus has advanced the legal and civil There are other firsts, Mr. Speaker. minimal resources. In the process, they rights of the Asian and Pacific Islander The first Hmong attorney. The Hmongs are helping to tear down language and communities. Now those communities came from Southeast Asia after the economic barriers that separate far too and our society unfortunately as a Vietnam War. The Hmongs were scat- many Asian Americans and Pacific Is- whole need that advocacy even more. tered throughout this country but landers from quality health care. As attorneys and as legal professionals, eventually assembled both in Fresno, As we all know, there are vast health we need the skills and the energy and California, and in Minnesota. Mee disparities in this country. Asian and the commitment of lawyers associated Moua was a young woman who was an Pacific Americans are disproportion- with the Asian Law Caucus. Edu- attorney and became the first woman ately affected by cancer and other seri- cational opportunities and legal sup- and first Hmong attorney and first ous diseases. Asian and Pacific Ameri- port services are both shrinking under member of the Hmong community to cans have a tuberculosis rate that is 15 this current administration. be elected to the Minnesota State Sen- times higher than that of whites. They b 2145 ate. Shortly after that, Cy Thao be- have cervical and liver cancer rates came the first Hmong assemblyman in that are five times the national aver- The representation provided to hun- the State of Minnesota. There is also in age. These disparities we must erase, dreds of low-income clients and the ad- the State of Minnesota the first Indo- and we must commit ourselves to do vocacy of the caucus is really making American, Satveer Chaudhary. He hails that tonight as we celebrate Asian Pa- an impact in both high-profile litiga- from Minnesota, also. cific American Heritage Month. tion and in the lives of families and in- There was the first APA woman in Recent immigrants also face many dividuals each and every day. By fight- the Cabinet. President George W. Bush challenges from language barriers to ing for housing, fairness in employ- appointed Elaine Chao to be Secretary medical bureaucracy. Organizations ment, and the rights of seniors; by of Labor. She is the very first APA like Asian Health Services are helping stopping unlawful evictions and help- woman to hold a Presidential Cabinet their clients conquer their challenges ing immigrants navigate, and really post. through community outreach, edu- they have to navigate, the citizenship Mr. Speaker, in this country there cation, and patient care. In recent process, the Asian Law Caucus is are many firsts. We have John Liu who years, AHS has also opened a very strengthening democracy and carrying is the very first Asian American to sit badly needed dental clinic. As part of out the legacies of the civil rights on the City of New York’s city council Asian Pacific American Heritage movement of the last century. representing the 20th district. Month, I want to salute the contribu- So as a proud member of the Congres- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- tions tonight of the Asian Health Serv- sional Asian Pacific American Caucus, woman from California (Ms. LEE). ices. In this age of State and Federal I am proud to join with the gentleman Ms. LEE. I thank the gentleman for budget deficits and Federal tax cuts, from California (Mr. HONDA) tonight to yielding and for his leadership of the their commitment is needed now more make sure that our entire country un- Asian Pacific American Caucus and our than ever. Immigrants are especially at derstands why we are celebrating Asian tri-caucus, actually, because it is real- risk during these perilous times. Pacific American Heritage Month. Let

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.071 H19PT1 May 19, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4237 us make sure that we represent Asian This is a month to celebrate and Justice Denied.’’ The principal finding Pacific Americans every month, each commemorate this outstanding com- in 1982 was that the promulgation of and every day as we develop our poli- munity. For that reason I would like to Executive Order 9066 was not justified cies and our legislation that ensure lib- stand and join with the very powerful by military necessity and that the de- erty and justice for all. and very impressive leader of this cision which followed from it, deten- Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank Asian Pacific Caucus in the United tion, ending detention and ending ex- the gentlewoman from California (Ms. States Congress and suggest that his clusion, were not driven by analysis of LEE). And I yield, Mr. Speaker, to the continued advocacy on behalf of ex- military conditions, but rather the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACK- panding the opportunities of the Asian causes that shaped these decisions were SON-LEE). Pacific community throughout the Na- race prejudice, war hysteria, and a fail- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. tion and emphasizing political em- ure of political leadership. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gen- powerment, social empowerment, civic With a strong bipartisan vote, Con- tleman from California (Mr. HONDA), empowerment is one that I join him in gress passed H.R. 442, the Civil Lib- and I am very proud to stand here as a and I thank him for allowing me to cel- erties Act, which states in part: ‘‘For member of the Asian Pacific Caucus ebrate this very important month, and these fundamental violations of the and as well to applaud the gentleman might I congratulate the entire Asian basic civil liberties and constitutional from California (Mr. HONDA) for his vi- Pacific community in Houston and all rights of these individuals of Japanese sion and leadership on helping us com- Asian Americans as we celebrate this ancestry, the Congress apologizes on behalf of the Nation.’’ President Ron- memorate the Asian Pacific Heritage very important month. Month, the month of May. With that I yield back to the distin- ald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties I am excited because as I left Hous- guished gentleman. Act into law on August 10, 1988, at ton, we were, if the Members will, em- Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I thank which time he proclaimed: ‘‘This is a bedded, if I might use that termi- the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. great day for America.’’ In 1998, as a member of the California nology, in celebrations and commemo- JACKSON-LEE) for her words and her State Assembly, I authored the State ration on the Asian Pacific Month in support not only here in the halls of version of the Civil Liberties Act, un- Houston. We are very proud as a very Congress but also back home in Hous- diverse community to be reflective of derstanding that the work was still not ton and Texas in general. Her work and done once the Civil Liberties Act of so many from the Asian community, the work of the gentlewoman from 1988 had expired. and we are very proud of the fact that California (Ms. LEE) really just show I mention these dates and this tim- all of our citizens recognize and respect that there is power in collaboration ing, Mr. Speaker, because today it is the excitement and contributions of and being able to work together not even more important, more important this dynamic community. Might I ap- only as individuals but as a coalition than ever, to speak up against unjust plaud Mayor pro tempore council mem- for the betterment of every American policies. It is also more important than ber Gordon Quan, the highest-ranking in this country. ever to educate Americans of the Japa- Asian American in the city of Houston. Mr. Speaker, I would like to touch a nese American experience during World He serves as second in the command of little bit on the internment story of War II, as well as the experience of the city of Houston, and we are very the Japanese Americans in this coun- other groups like Japanese Latin proud of his representation. try. It is a story that needs to be told Americans who were expatriated from I am also proud of the fact, if I might over and over again because it is not a their country at the request of our gov- speak to the political process, of the Japanese American history lesson. It is ernment; and then while they were on number of Asian Americans who will be not a Japanese American experience the ships on their way to the United seeking political office and empower- only. It is not a Japanese American States to be interned in Crystal City, ment. Might I applaud the thought lesson, but it is really rooted deeply in Texas, they were stripped of all their processes that have moved our commu- what I would consider an American les- papers and became people without a nities to be accepting of that diversity. son. country. And certain German and And as well, might I applaud the Asian Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 61st Italian Americans in this country were American senior citizen community anniversary of President Franklin also mistreated, many of whom were and senior citizens community center. Delano Roosevelt’s signing of Execu- forced in the middle of the night to We had the privilege of meeting with tive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942; leave their homes and pledge alle- many of the representatives just a few and it is the 15th anniversary of the giance to the Flag in the middle of the weeks ago, and we have collectively Civil Liberties Act of 1988. night in order to show that to their made a commitment to help them In 1942, President Roosevelt signed neighbors, who forced them out, to build a very dynamic community cen- Executive Order 9066 pursuant to which prove that they were loyal and patri- ter for the very dynamic senior citizen 120,000 Japanese Americans and legal otic Americans during that time. community in Houston that happens to resident aliens were incarcerated in in- It is also important to learn the im- be Asian. The reason, of course, be- ternment camps during World War II. portant lessons from our own history cause there is such history, there is Many of these families lost their prop- in the resolution I introduced, H.R. 56, such a commonality, a community of erty and possessions during the several the Day of Remembrance resolution, interests, that we want to make sure years they were jailed behind barbed which is still in the Committee on the that those individuals have an oppor- wire. Judiciary. Teaching the lessons of tunity to reflect on their history and On February 19, 1976, President Ger- those dark days is more important to expand on their cultural pride by ald Ford formally rescinded Executive today than it ever was. By remem- having a community center designated Order 9066; and July 21, 1980, became bering, Executive Order 9066 that was and committed to them. the beginning of reconciling our past to signed on February 19, 1942, does not I am also proud of the work that has the present. Congress adopted legisla- become an anniversary just on Feb- been done in collaboration with the tion signed by President Jimmy Carter ruary 19 but is an anniversary that Asian American community on the on July 31, 1980, establishing the Com- must be remembered and lived and un- issues dealing with immigration. We mission on Wartime Relocation and In- derstood every day of the year, every have worked on the question of wheth- ternment of Civilians to investigate year for the future of this country, be- er or not immigration equates to ter- the claim that the incarceration of cause the lessons that were learned rorism, and we worked on the question Japanese Americans and legal resident were lessons that were principally of civil liberties as we have moved cer- aliens during World War II was not jus- rooted in the Constitution of this coun- tain bills such as the PATRIOT Act tified by military necessity. The out- try, the Constitution which was a con- and as we formulated the Select Com- come of that commission, Mr. Speaker, tract between our government and the mittee on Homeland Security. We have the commission had held 20 days of people who are here in this country, a worked to ensure that we do not stig- hearings and listened to testimony of contract that is signed on paper called matize and racially profile different over 720 witnesses, and published its the Declaration of Independence, a con- ethnic groups. findings in a report entitled ‘‘Personal tract that is immutable and cannot be

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.073 H19PT1 H4238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2003 changed and should not be changed, a that we have been able to share, that the records would reflect that Asian contract that promises everyone who is many of us checked our fears and Americans in this country came with a in this country due process and the checked our emotions and made sure dream, they worked hard and partici- protection of their civil liberties. It is that we did not respond or succumb to pated, they faced barriers and over- a contract that has been protected. It our base fears. came them, and that can only happen is a contract that has been fought for Mr. Speaker, I believe that Members over time in a country and a democ- and a contract which members of this of this Congress also participated in racy like ours, where evolution and country who served in the military making sure that the people of our evolving sentiments and policies in have shed their blood overseas for, who country remembered and learned from this country only lead us forward, that left their limbs in the islands of the the history of the internment, that ra- we learn from our mistakes, and that Pacific and on the European continent. cial profiling is unacceptable, and al- only makes us stronger and better These Americans must be remem- though we are in the throes of fear and Americans and a greater America. bered as part of the lessons that we the issues of national security that we Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, for more than learned from the Japanese American must exercise our common sense, our two centuries, America has been enriched by experience that the Constitution is a good sense, and exercise our under- our diverse and rapidly growing Asian Amer- contract worth protecting and dying standing of the principles of the Con- ican and Pacific Islander communities. Gen- for. We must remember that this Con- stitution. erations of immigrants and refugees from Asia stitution was written back in 1776, but We know that after 9/11 and after cer- and native peoples from Hawaii and the Pa- yet it is an evolving, growing Constitu- tain acts were passed, such as the PA- cific Islands have enhanced our nation by pre- tion that over time has included not TRIOT Act, that we must seek the crit- serving and sharing their unique cultures and only white men with properties but ical balance between civil liberties and values. those who used to be slaves; those im- private liberties with national secu- Asian Pacific American Heritage Month pro- migrants whose laws were passed rity; and the Constitution continues to vides a special opportunity for all Americans to against them which eventually were re- be tested as we move along, looking to- pay tribute to Asian Americans and Pacific Is- scinded became citizens of this coun- wards a possible second PATRIOT Act. landers whose countless contributions—in try; those immigrants who came just Mr. Speaker, it is my prayer, my science and technology, arts and media, busi- recently after the Vietnam War, and hope, that Members of this body re- ness and social work, politics and more—have even today people are still seeking to member that Asian Americans were left a lasting legacy on American culture and find refuge in this country even at pioneers establishing this country. The society. times when we seem to appear to be in- Asian Americans were laborers build- Moreover, these communities serve as a liv- hospitable to the immigrants. ing this country. The Asian Americans ing example of the critical role that equal op- Mr. Speaker, the lessons learned dur- are doctors, lawyers, teachers and poli- portunity, social justice, and civic participation ing the internment when we thought ticians, providing for the health and play in making the American Dream a reality. that we were protecting Japanese welfare of this Nation; and we, like In the face of prejudice and poverty, intern- Americans for their own safety was ac- every other American, are red-blooded ment and exclusion, Asian Americans and Pa- tually a myth because if it were true, Americans. cific Islanders have fought for the right to call then as my father used to tell me, he Mr. Speaker, I would like to close America their home. This month, we thank wondered why if we were here for our with a couple of comments that be- them for their perserverance, we applaud protection, why would the barbed wires came a lesson for me personally as I them for their achievements, and we proudly be around us, the machines pointing in have been here my third year and my recognize them as fellow countrymen in our on us. And my father used to still tell experience and seeing the works of the common homeland. me, though, that, as I grew up, to be halls of Congress here in Washington, Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased 110 percent American; that we must D.C. to join my colleagues this evening to com- also remember that the contributions I believe that the very basic lesson I memorate Asian Pacific American Heritage that have been invested in this country have learned is not only from the expe- Month and I want to thank the Chairmen of of our parents and grandparents are rience that my community has had in the Congressional Asian Pacific American well worth it, that we must also learn 1942, the kinds of lessons we learned Caucus, Mr. HONDA and Mr. WU, for their that even though this country is faced since then and the kinds of teachings leadership of the caucus. I would especially with challenges since 9–11 that in spite that we have learned, but I also started like to thank Mr. HONDA for organizing this of the war on terrorism that we still to understand that the last century special order which seeks, not only to recog- have to remember the constitutional was a century of wars, a century of nize the contributions of Asian Americans and principles by which we live. conflict, a century of trauma, and that Pacific Islanders to our Nation, but also to When 9–11 occurred, the ugly head of the promise that we have in this new educate our citizens on the uniqueness of our racial prejudice appeared again as it century should be the century of rec- people. did in 1942. Hysteria started to take onciliation and peace. Asian Pacific Americans are a rapidly grow- over some hearts in this country, and Now that the Cold War is gone, we ing group made up of 49 different ethnicities as a result people like Balbir Singh have a challenge of facing conflicts in speaking over 100 different languages and Sodhi, an immigrant and a Sikh Amer- other ways. A wise man once said to dialects representing 4.5 percent of our popu- ican from Fremont, California, moved me that peace, Mike, is not an absence lation today. to Mesa, Arizona to start a business of conflict, but a way, a manner, in Asian Pacific Americans have much to be there and because he looked like the which you can deal with conflict. proud of. In every aspect of American life— enemy to the perpetrator, he was mur- So, in closing, the primary lesson I business, education, government, the military, dered and shot there in his store. And have learned these past few years, Mr. in media, sports, entertainment and the arts— then coincidentally another year later, Speaker, is that our Constitution is you will find prominent Asian Americans and his brother Sukhpal Singh Sodhi was a never tested in times of tranquility, Pacific Islanders. taxi driver in San Francisco who was but our Constitution is sorely tested in Here in Congress, more than 30 members shot and murdered in San Francisco times of trauma, terror and tragedy, past and present have been of Asian and Pa- merely because he appeared to be a and that the very fiber of the American cific Island descent representing backgrounds Middle Easterner and those who mur- character and this country should be such as Chamorros, Samoans, Native Hawai- dered him thought that they were vin- embodied and should be learned from ians, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Indian and dicated because they played upon and the very words and the principles and Chinese. acted upon their prejudice and their the rights embodied in the Constitu- As we celebrate the contributions of Asian hysteria and their hatred. tion and Bill of Rights. Pacific Americans in this ‘‘Salute to Liberty’’ Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the op- and with the approach of Memorial Day, it is b 2200 portunity to utilize this time to share fitting that we reflect of the thousands of Asian It did not become a wave of murders some of the information that we have Pacific Islanders who have served in our and hangings here in this country, for had, share some of the information armed services. In World War II, Korea, Viet- I believe that, because of the history with the general public, and hopefully nam, the Persian Gulf and, most recently, the

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19MY7.075 H19PT1 May 19, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4239 war in Iraq, Asian Pacific Islanders have male, because she was Japanese American, idly, starting with 60 workers and quickly in- served with honor and distinction. because she came from an unknown territory creasing to 300 workers. I am honored by Guam’s record of service out in the Pacific. The Tanimura family soon began growing to the Nation. Men and women from Guam That is why she went to law school, fought lettuce only for Bud Antle, Inc. It was a natural have served in all wars, and they have served her way into law school so that she could marriage of lettuce growers and lettuce pack- in disproportion to their small numbers. achieve a degree that would enable her to ers, and the Tanimuras and Antles soon be- Today, let us again acknowledge the sac- fight against the discrimination she had suf- came close friends. The Antles treated the rifice of Asian Pacific Americans in defense of fered. She was a champion then. We all rec- Tanimura family as equals in a time rife with our country. ognized it. She was smart and she was tough discrimination. In turn, Bud’s son Bob worked Common to the Asian and Pacific Island and she was articulate and she would not quit. closely with the Tanimura family and quickly heritage is the sense of family and community. She was an inspiration then and now. When- learned the industry. In 1982, after years of Our concern for our immediate as well as ex- ever any of us felt some sense of discourage- trusted friendship, these two families formed tended family is what encourages us to work ment, whenever any of us felt some sense of Tanimura & Antle, one of the largest lettuce harder and strive for a better life for everyone despair or feeling that we could not succeed, producers in the world. in our community. It is our sense of family that it was only required for Patsy to come in the The story of the Tanimuras and the Antles strengthens our commitment to fight against room to change the atmosphere. is one of uplift beyond all possible odds. Both racism, discrimination and injustice, not just of Patsy Mink had the capacity to make dead families built their companies from the ground our people, but of all people. air move. Patsy Mink, this little lady from Ha- up, and with an understanding of and appre- Historically, Asians and Pacific Islanders waii, was a giant in her heart and in her com- ciation for human rights when such a concept have known much war and strife. They have mitment. was in short supply. I commend these two survived and they have thrived to the benefit With every breath that she took, she cham- families for serving as a heartening reminder of America. So today, as we celebrate Asian pioned those who had no one to stand up and of all that is good about America. I can think Pacific American Heritage Month, let us honor speak out for them. A little lady with a big of no finer time to recognize their mutual all they have done to enrich our lives. heart, a lioness. achievements than during this special Asian Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I am We will not see her like again. Pacific American Heritage Month. pleased that this House is marking Asian Pa- Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to cele- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. cific American Heritage month. For those of us brate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Mr. Speaker, I rise in homage of Asian Pacific from the State of Hawaii, there is something which honors Asian Pacific Americans American Month to honor our nation’s Asian missing in this year’s Heritage Month celebra- throughout our history. Pacific American communiy. I am honored to tion—the dynamic presence of our colleague, From the early reaches of our Nation’s his- share in the occasion of the 25th Anniversary Patsy Takemoto Mink. I would like to take this tory to the present day, Asian Pacific Ameri- of such a special month. opportunity, therefore, to reprise the tribute to cans have played a crucial role in the develop- The beauty of our nation comes from the di- her that I delivered on this floor last October. ment of the United States. Asian Pacific Amer- versity of its colorful fabric, which includes the We were devastated by the sudden loss of icans have contributed to explorations of Asian Pacific American community. More than this irreplaceable woman. places as far away as the depths of outer Patsy Mink was the first Asian American 12.5 million APAs make up one of the fastest space, and places as near as the inner ves- woman to serve in Congress. But she was growing segments of the United States popu- sels of the human body. They have served as much more than that. She was our friend and lation. I am certainly grateful for all of the generals in our military, builders of our great colleague. She was a true daughter of Hawaii. countless contributions Asian Pacific Ameri- transcontinental railroads, and athletes without She was a person of enormous spirit and te- cans have made to our society. peer. Asian Pacific Americans have blazed trails nacity and inner strength. This House is much But I rise today not to merely tout the ac- in a myriad of professions including aca- the poorer for her loss. We especially miss her complishments of this storied group of people, demics, science, business, music, technology, wisdom, her energy, her readiness to fight for but to speak specifically about the uplifting ac- sports and, of course politics. Mr. Speaker, I principle. As evidence of the high esteem in which count of two amazing families, one Asian Pa- would be remiss if I mentioned great Asian she was held in Hawaii, she was elected over cific American and one Caucasian. I want to Pacific Americans and not mention my good and over by the voters of Hawaii, and she was relate to my colleagues the amazing and friend former Representative Patsy Mink of re-elected posthumously after she passed unique friendship that developed between the Hawaii. Although she is no longer with us, her away just before the 2002 election. Tanimura and Antle families over impossible presence is still felt, here in the halls of Con- Patsy fought all her life for social and eco- odds. gress. Patsy was a knowledgeable, coura- nomic justice. Throughout nearly 50 years of George Tanimura, a second-generation Jap- geous woman—committed to people. public service, she championed America’s anese American, grew up spending his week- In April of 2002, with the help of my col- most deeply held values: equality, fairness, ends working on his father’s lettuce farm in leagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific, and above all . . . honesty. Castroville, California, in my congressional dis- Black, and Hispanic caucuses, we established Her courage, her willingness to speak out trict. Both of George’s parents died before he the Tri-Caucus, a collective caucus with the and champion causes that others might shun completed high school, so George, the oldest purpose of addressing issues of mutual con- resulted in tremendous contributions in the of 12 siblings, along with his brother Charlie, cern. This group is dedicated to many issues fields of civil rights and education. managed the farm. The family business was that affect our diverse constituency. Specifi- She has earned an honored place in the kept afloat during the troubled times of the cally, the Tri-Caucus focuses on immigration, history of the United States House of Rep- Great Depression, only to be devastated by health care, education, and economic develop- resentatives as the co-author of title IX, which the forced internment of more than 120,000 ment issues. One year after the September guarantees equality for women in education Japanese Americans after the attack on Pearl 11th tragedy, the Tri-Caucus participated in programs. Harbor. While brothers Charlie and John the historic Commemorative Joint Session of Every single woman in this Nation who joined the U.S. Army, George and his other Congress in New York City and held a Busi- today access to equal opportunity in edu- siblings were inhumanely forced into intern- ness Roundtable that assembled a host of cation, and by extension in virtually every ment camps. By the time the Tanimura family leaders in the business community to explore other field of endeavor, owes a debt to Patsy was released after World War II, it had lost all economic development strategies. The Tri- Mink. its previous land holdings. Slowly and pains- Caucus also presented a joint statement on She was one of the pioneers who trans- takingly the Tanimuras regained their agricul- the affirmative action case at the University of formed Hawaii and transformed this Nation. tural footing, farming onions and lettuce on 20 Michigan. Her legacy lives on in every campus in Amer- acres of land. Mr. Speaker, APAs have contributed to this ica and in the heart of every American woman The Antle family migrated west from the nation since their first settlement was estab- who aspires to greatness. Most profoundly, it Oklahoma Dust Bowl in the late 1800s, arriv- lished in the bayous of Louisiana in 1763. In lives on in the spirit of hope, hope for the mil- ing in Salinas, California, to find work in the the midst of World War II, more than 12,000 lions of lives that she touched. Patsy Mink iceberg lettuce industry. Bud Antle joined his Japanese Americans volunteered for an all- knew first hand the power of hope, the power father Lester as a lettuce packer in Salinas. In Japanese combat unit, many of them came of perseverence, the power of dreams. 1942, after years of hard work, Bud and Les- from mainland concentration camps after She was turned down for medical school, ter created their own lettuce-packing company, President Franklin Roosevelt signed an Exec- discriminated against because she was fe- Bud Antle, Inc. The company grew quite rap- utive Order authorizing the forced relocation

VerDate Jan 31 2003 04:18 May 20, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19MY7.030 H19PT1 H4240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 19, 2003 and detention of 120,000 Japanese Ameri- Heritage Month and to celebrate the lives and from California (Mr. HONDA) the impor- cans, as well as Japanese Latin Americans. accomplishments of Asian Pacific Americans tance of Asian American and Asian Pa- The Legendary 442nd Regimental Combat in our history. In particular, I want to recognize cific Month. Team went down in history as one of our na- the contributions of Korean Americans to my I would like to add some additional tion’s most decorated military units. To date, district and commend them for their tireless points that I think are very important there are more than 284,000 Asian American work in improving the city of Los Angeles. on this matter, and just add my military veterans. Mr. Speaker, as you may know, Los Ange- thoughts regarding the information Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to en- les is home to the largest concentration of Ko- that we have shared this evening. courage my colleagues in the House of Rep- reans outside of Korea, roughly 160,000. Lo- I would like to call this special order, resentatives and citizens around the nation to cated in my district, Koreatown is the hub of Mr. Speaker, ‘‘Matters Not Yet Fin- explore the rich culture, achievements and the Korean community and vital to our local ished, Issues Undone.’’ contributions of the Asian Pacific American economy. The rich and diverse history of Ko- I believe it is important to note, as community. rean immigration is carefully documented by we are facing challenges with respect Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased the Korean American Museum, from the first to homeland security, that as we look to join my colleagues tonight honoring the Korean arrival in the United States at the turn to protect our Nation it is important many contributions of Asian Pacific Ameri- of the 20th century for agricultural production, to find the right kind of balance. This morning I was able to join a cans. In particular, I wish to honor one of my to the most recent wave of Korean immigra- number of my colleagues at the home- greatest heroes and long time friend, former tion marked by the passage of the 1965 Immi- land security hearing held in the dis- Congresswoman Patsy Mink. gration Act. trict of the gentlewoman from New Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand here to- Just a few weeks ago I had the opportunity York (Ms. SLAUGHTER). I thank her for night and recognize the many contributions to attend the Congressional Asian Pacific her hospitality. It was a very impor- that Patsy Mink made to the people of this American Caucus kick-off event and hear from tant hearing. As we listened to the country, particularly to the girls and women of many of the Asian American leaders in my residents and Federal officials in the this country. district and beyond who discussed their com- northern New York-Canadian area, the I was privileged to serve with Patsy while munity development projects. I want to take theme was, of course, that we should be working with her on the House Education and this opportunity to recognize some of the effective and efficient and proficient, the Workforce Committee since the beginning groups I met that day and the contributions but also we need to balance the needs of my tenure in 1992. She served as a mentor they continue to make to our communities: the and friend to me while I have worked in Con- of that region as relates to the com- Korean Resource Center, the Korean Youth & merce of people and as well goods. So gress and I miss her very much. Community Center, the Korean Churches for Besides being the first woman of color to there should always be a balance. Community Development, the Thai Community serve in the House of Representatives, Patsy That is why I think it is important to Development Center, and the Asian American Mink helped craft landmark legislation for remind this Nation of the Japanese in- Healthcare Venture. I want to reiterate one of women across the country during her 24 years ternment in the 1940s, done by a Presi- the key concerns expressed to me by some of in Congress. In the early 1970s Patsy played dent, of course, that thought what he those community leaders at the forum, which the key role in the enactment of Title Nine, was doing was the correct thing. But in is the need for community and economic de- which prohibits gender discrimination by feder- many instances the Japanese that were velopment projects that are geared toward ally funded institutions. interred did not even speak the lan- When most people think of Title Nine, they Asian Pacific Americans. The diversity of the guage, did not speak Japanese, may think of women’s sports and, the impact of APA population presents unique challenges not have had any relationship to Title Nine of women’s sports can be clearly for housing and community development sys- Japan, and certainly posed no threat to seen. Title Nine has increased the numbers of tems, and we must look for ways to better al- the United States. They lost their jobs, girls and women who participate in sports in locate scarce resources to deliver linguistic their property, their family. high school and college. and culturally appropriate services. So as we move through society and Even beyond school, we can see the impact I strongly believe community development as we begin to look at these questions, of Title Nine in the impressive accomplish- organizations must be sensitized to the history I think it is extremely important that ments of American female athletes at the and experiences of the communities they homeland security and the securing of Olympics, and when we turn on the TV to serve in order to produce services that are lin- this Nation be balanced with civil lib- watch professional women’s basketball and guistically and culturally appropriate. To that erties and the refusal and rejection of soccer games. end Congress should look into federally des- racial profiling. But, we shouldn’t forget that Title Nine has ignated funding for the APA community and I might also want to add just a note also been a major tool for increasing women’s economic development programs. We also as we are focusing on the Asian Pacific participation in other aspects of education, as need to look into better data collection and re- Month, it is just to pay tribute for a well. search at the national level to further under- moment to our former colleague, our Even as we stand here on the floor today stand the unique needs of the Asian American late colleague, Patsy Mink. We truly Title Nine is being used to make sure that girls communities. miss her. Certainly she was the first have equal access to classes which teach the I want to thank Congressman WU and Con- Asian Pacific woman to be elected to skills that lead to high-wage jobs that women gressman HONDA, Chair and Vice Chair of the the United States Congress and the need to support themselves and their families. Congressional Asian Pacific American Cau- first minority woman. It is clear that But, Title Nine was not Patsy’s only con- cus, for organizing this special order. As we her leadership was not a leadership tribution to the girls and women of America. commemorate and celebrate the crucial role that focused solely on the issues of her Patsy also authored the Women’s Edu- Asian Pacific Americans have played in the heritage. She focused on issues of so- cational Equity Act, which is still the primary development of this Nation, we must also rec- cial justice. She is known to be the resource for teachers and parents seeking in- ognize the unique needs and challenges the Mother of Title IX, that opened the formation on proven methods to ensure gen- 12.5 million Asian Pacific Americans in the doors of opportunity for women ath- der equity in their schools and communities. U.S. face today and work towards improving letes. The Women’s Educational Equity Act rep- their future and the future of our country. But I think it is very appropriate resents the Federal commitment to ensuring f during this month to again compliment that girls’ future choices and successes are all of the Asian Pacific and Asian MATTERS NOT YET FINISHED, determined not by their gender, but by their American elected officials throughout ISSUES UNDONE own interests, aspirations and abilities. the Nation, our two Senators in the There has been no stronger voice in Con- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. United States Senate, the many Mem- gress for girls, women, and minorities than COLE). Under the Speaker’s announced bers of this House of Representatives Patsy’s, and it will do Congress proud to re- policy of January 7, 2003, the gentle- who serve us today. But certainly it member and honor her not only for her herit- woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) would be remiss of all of us if we did age but also for the enormous impact she is recognized for 60 minutes. not make mention of the fact that made while she was here in Congress. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Patsy Mink served amongst us, and she Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Speaker, it is a pleasure to have been was a dynamic and wonderful rep- commemorate the Asian Pacific American able to celebrate with the gentleman resentative.

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